Senate nears vote on $50.5B bill for Sandy victims

WASHINGTON -- Three months after Superstorm Sandy devastated parts of the densely populated Northeast, the Senate is nearing a vote on a $50.5 billion emergency relief bill to help storm victims recover.

Some conservatives are complaining the bill will add to the nation's debt. But Northeast lawmakers in both parties are optimistic they have the 60 votes need to pass the bill Monday evening and send it to President Barack Obama for his signature. The House passed the measure two weeks ago.

At least $16 billion would flow to state and local governments through grants from the Housing and Urban Development Department

Sandy roared up the East Coast Oct. 29 and was blamed for 140 deaths and billions of dollars in property damage. Hardest hit were New York and New Jersey.